Learning Task #2 Minds-on “New Literacies Definition and Components”

Which ideas from the video reflect what the ELA teachers you interviewed are currently doing to integrate technology with their literacy instruction?

-The teachers that I interviewed really aren’t integrating technology into their literacy instruction. They are using a traditional literacy approach where the work is being done with a paper and a pencil. They are providing their students with the cognitive skills needed, however they are not utilizing the students’ technology skills to help enhance learning. One idea from the video that would be easy for them to use would be to communicate the information. The students could use technology to express what they have learned and then share it with others through tools such as word processor, video editor, or even blogs.

How can you help change their instructional practices to include the use of technology and the Internet in their literacy and content-area curriculum?

-One way that I could help the teachers include the use of technology would be to give them examples of how the tools could be used. I know as a teacher, I am open to new ideas and am willing to hear suggestions that will help me become a better teacher. I could look at a lesson that they are planning on teaching and figure out how to easily incorporate a technology tool into it. I am sure if the lesson was effective then the teachers would be able to see the benefits of technology in their classroom.

What professional development and/or resources will they need in order to make these changes?

-Professional development would be very important in order to make these changes. Teachers like to be prepared, and they would have to be educated in how to use the technologies. I am also sure that teachers would like to have examples of lessons to use as a resource. Teachers might know how to use video editor; however that does not necessarily mean that they can effectively incorporate it into their lesson to increase student learning.

What ideas do you have for grouping students so they will have equal access to technology in the classroom?

-One idea for grouping students would be to take students from the same ability levels and put them together. Some students might be more advanced with a program like word processor than others. If students from different ability levels are put together, then often times the student who has used the program before will do all of the work. If the students have the same ability then each can use the tool equally. The teacher can set up different parts of the assignment for different group members to ensure each has a chance to contribute and use the technology.